ATHENS, Greece - The Greek government intends to sue the company behind the cruise ship that sank off the island of Santorini last month.

Greek Merchant Marine Minister Michalis Kefaloyiannis said the government will soon file a civil lawsuit against Louis Hellenic Cruises to compensate for damages sustained in April when the line's Sea Diamond ship crashed and sank, Kathimerini reported Friday.

While the minister confirmed a lawsuit was imminent, the amount the government will seek in damages is still being determined.

Nine Greek ministries will work at assessing how the ship's sinking directly affects the region's economy and that figure reportedly could surpass $1.3 billion, the paper said.

Santorini authorities also have threatened legal action against the company and the Merchant Marine Ministry.

Nearly 400 tons of diesel fuel is in the sunken ship and Santorini officials said they are frustrated with the inactivity on the matter by government and cruise officials.